Networking Unleashed: The Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Networking That Actually Converts: Body Language, Trust, and the Follow-Up System That Gets Responses

Michael explains that while most people understand the sales cycle and their product, many are not taught how to network properly, and argues that follow-up is more important than the initial meeting. The episode covers the purpose of networking (to build business and make money), the idea that people like to buy but hate being sold to, and practical in-person networking techniques such as smiling, eye contact, politeness to everyone from janitor to CEO, confident posture, clear enunciation, active listening with a pause, and avoiding distracting phone use. It outlines how to approach groups at networking events by listening first, contributing thoughtfully, then shifting focus to others using the FORM framework (Family, Occupation, Recreation, Message) to find common ground and build trust—emphasizing the mantra: know you, like you, trust you, do business with you. The speaker contrasts extroverts and introverts, recommending introverts bring a “wingman” to help with introductions until they gain confidence. The core system is a structured follow-up process: send an initial thank-you message that evening, mail a handwritten thank-you note the next morning, wait three days, then email again with reminders of where they met and what they discussed, aiming for multiple touches (noting it often takes 8–15 touches). Additional follow-up ideas include connecting on social platforms, providing value through relevant articles before asking for coffee, tracking contacts in a CRM with consistent outreach, and avoiding spammy mass emails in favor of personalized messages. The speaker also discusses post-pandemic networking as more relational than transactional, limiting the number of business cards collected to ensure proper follow-up, practicing continuously, and using AI as a tool (not a replacement) alongside content like articles, podcasts, and courses to stay visible. The episode closes by stating that lack of results is usually a communication problem—how someone sells and presents themselves—and reiterates the importance of handwritten thank-you notes.

00:00 Why Networking (and Follow-Up) Beats the Traditional Sales Cycle

01:11 The Real Goal of Networking: Solve Problems and Create Value

03:18 People Love to Buy, Hate to Be Sold To (Sales Approach Shift)

04:10 First Impressions That Win: Smile, Eye Contact, and Respect Everyone

06:43 Confidence & Body Language: Posture, Hands, and Clear Enunciation

09:44 How to Work a Networking Table: Listen First, Then Join In

11:33 The FORM Method + Servant’s Heart: Get Them Talking

13:31 Build Trust Fast: Find Common Ground in Events and 1-on-1 Meetings

16:13 Introvert vs Extrovert Strategies: Bring a Wingman and Practice

18:04 The Follow-Up System: Email + Handwritten Thank-You Notes + Touches

23:02 Scale Your Network Online: LinkedIn, Reels, YouTube, and Meetup

25:38 Practice Your Message, Use AI Wisely, and Final Q&A on Spam Emails

Michael is a business networking expert specializing in enhancing professionals' networking and communication skills to drive profitability. As a leading authority in this field, he is highly sought after for his dynamic presentations and workshops. His extensive experience has consistently led to significant improvements in corporate profitability by empowering individuals and organizations to connect more effectively and efficiently.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI6GkxoRFCk969A_rCfpHWQ

Digital Courses

https://michael-s-site-fc88.thinkific.com/

Dusten Hendrickson

dusten@mailboxmoneyre.com

Please share a brief Bio.

I lead real estate development projects—from land selection to completion—creating wellness-focused, high-quality housing that delivers strong results for investors and communities. Guided by faith, I give back through mentoring and philanthropy and enjoy family life, sports, cooking, and autism advocacy.

What are 2-3 things you would love to talk about?

These are popular topics: Solving the Affordable Housing Crisis How to Avoid Outliving Your Money With Hands-Off Real Estate Investing How to Retire Sooner Without Downsizing Your Lifestyle

What are 2-3 things you would like to gain as a result of being on this podcast?

More social media content, more following, more connections.

Any website you wish to share with the audience?

https://mailboxmoneyre.com/

Any social media links you wish to share with the audience?

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dusten-hendrickson/

Michael is a business networking expert specializing in enhancing professionals' networking and communication skills to drive profitability. As a leading authority in this field, he is highly sought after for his dynamic presentations and workshops. His extensive experience has consistently led to significant improvements in corporate profitability by empowering individuals and organizations to connect more effectively and efficiently.

https://www.michaelaforman.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelforman/

https://www.instagram.com/flyboy_197/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI6GkxoRFCk969A_rCfpHWQ

Digital Courses

https://michael-s-site-fc88.thinkific.com/

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Calvin Schwartz

calvinbarryschwartz@gmail.com

Please share a brief Bio.

Meet Calvin Barry Schwartz: 6'5" tall, and impossible to miss, literally, which is why sneaking into a scene in Meryl Streep's movie, "One True Thing," was such an achievement. This Jersey guy has nine lives and receipts to prove it: survived a VW rolling over five times at 65 mph (walked away without a scratch), got mysteriously healed of a devastating knee injury walking out of a church in Nazareth (four witnesses), and once lost 100 pounds in 2½ months like he was possessed. After selling eyeglasses for a billionaire for 25 years, this Newark ex-pharmacist watched "Casablanca" for the 54th time and thought, "I could write something like that." So, he did. Twice. His second novel, "There's a Tortoise in My Hair: A Journey to Spirit," earned the Kirkus Star and comparisons to Philip Roth, Kurt Vonnegut, and John Irving, transforming a midlife crisis into a deeply personal and darkly humorous meditation on meaning, mortality, and the mysterious forces that guide us through our darkest moments. Not bad for a guy who started his teaching career at Rutgers at 74, when most people are perfecting their golf game. Speaking of Rutgers, Calvin is on the Advisory Committee of the Women’s Health Institute at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. These days, Calvin practices what he preaches: flexitarian since 1975, zero coronary artery plaque, LDL cholesterol at 45, and sharper than ever. He's conducted seven paranormal investigations (ghosts, orbs, the works), turned down Steven Spielberg twice (still regretting it), almost tried out for the Chicago Bulls in 1976, and hosts a global podcast with 700+ interviews/videos. He recently wrote to Pope Leo XIV about his "inexplicable spirituality" because why not? If anyone could understand it, this Pope could. Calvin's third book is "Ten Things I Learned from the Billionaire." Spoiler: longevity techniques work. He's living proof.

What are 2-3 things you would love to talk about?

Networking leading to positive life changes; career changeS Longevity. Spiritulity, Writing

What are 2-3 things you would like to gain as a result of being on this podcast?

Experience, visibility, spreading awareness of my books

Any website you wish to share with the audience?

calvinschwartz.com

https://www.youtube.com/c/ConversationswithCalvinWetheSpecIEs

Any social media links you wish to share with the audience?

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvin-schwartz-866a805/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cal.schwartz.5/

Michael is a business networking expert specializing in enhancing professionals' networking and communication skills to drive profitability. As a leading authority in this field, he is highly sought after for his dynamic presentations and workshops. His extensive experience has consistently led to significant improvements in corporate profitability by empowering individuals and organizations to connect more effectively and efficiently.

Digital Courses

https://michael-s-site-fc88.thinkific.com/

Amitai Sela

201-403-3680

amitai@problem2resolution.com

Please share a brief Bio to be read on the podcast.

https://www.problem2resolution.com/amitai-sela/

He has worked in industry in IT and management for over 30 years, with 10 years as a consultant.

He has started and sold several small businesses and is a successful entrepreneur. Amitai has thrived despite being disabled and non-neurotypical. He holds a BS in computer science and an MS in MIS. He is pursuing an MBA in leadership and entrepreneurship. He has also obtained several IT certifications. Through his experience and education, he has developed various techniques in the leadership and management spaces. These techniques improve leadership skills, collaboration, adaptive strategies, and project management. He speaks about these techniques to help teams and leaders improve their productivity. He also developed a custom system (state mechanics management) for project and process development.

Amitai also works as a professional and life coach. He uses various practices and principles, like mentorship and goal-focused development. His goal is to bring out the best in each individual he works with. He teaches his protégés to develop and enhance their lives and professional goals.

What are 2-3 things you would love to talk about?

Leadership and management

What are 2-3 things you would like to gain as a result of being on this podcast?

My approach based on my background of dealing with things as a disabled person and how that has affected my perspective

Any website you wish to share with the audience?

https://problem2resolution.com

Michael is a business networking expert specializing in enhancing professionals' networking and communication skills to drive profitability. As a leading authority in this field, he is highly sought after for his dynamic presentations and workshops. His extensive experience has consistently led to significant improvements in corporate profitability by empowering individuals and organizations to connect more effectively and efficiently.

https://www.michaelaforman.com/

https://www.facebook.com/michael.forman.777

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelforman/

https://www.instagram.com/flyboy_197/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI6GkxoRFCk969A_rCfpHWQ

Swire Ho

swire@garudapromo.com

323-379-4887

Please share a brief Bio to be read on the podcast.

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Swire immigrated to Los Angeles in 1996. He is a proud Asian American and is fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English. As a seasoned professional, Swire possesses exceptional project management skills, a talent for generating creative ideas, and the ability to turn them into reality. Swire excels in business communication and navigating the corporate buying process. Some of Swire’s notable accomplishments include receiving the SCORE Award for Small Business Success and has been named Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year. Additionally, he was named #online18 2023 as one of the best promo pros on social media and a subject matter expert on promotional products in over 100+ podcasts Swire is also a lifelong student of strength and a proud SFG1 certified kettlebell instructor from #strongfirst. Government Certifications LSBE, WBE, DBE, MBE, SBE

What are 2-3 things you would love to talk about?

--How to identify your target audience and engage with them. --Becoming the "go to" expert in your industry by podcast guesting --How to turn your customers into "mini advocates" who would promote and refer your brand. --Business networking and how to build a referral-based business.

What are 2-3 things you would like to gain as a result of being on this podcast?

Provide value for the listener, encourage them to reach out if they have a questions about my services. To become the "go-to" expert in the promotional product industry

Do you have an offer for the audience?

https://www.garudapromo.com/podcast-listeners-special-offer

Any website you wish to share with the audience?

www.garudapromo.com

Any social media links you wish to share with the audience?

https://www.linkedin.com/in/swirehothepromoguy/

Michael is a business networking expert specializing in enhancing professionals' networking and communication skills to drive profitability. As a leading authority in this field, he is highly sought after for his dynamic presentations and workshops. His extensive experience has consistently led to significant improvements in corporate profitability by empowering individuals and organizations to connect more effectively and efficiently.

https://www.michaelaforman.com/

https://www.facebook.com/michael.forman.777

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelforman/

https://www.instagram.com/flyboy_197/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI6GkxoRFCk969A_rCfpHWQ

Anders Boulanger

anders@engagify.ai

2049951808

Other: Speaker and Trade Show Infotainer

What are 2-3 things you would love to talk about?

Being engaging, creating engagement, trade shows and communication

Please share a brief Bio to be read on the podcast.

Anders Boulanger is a speaker, author, magician and founder/CEO of Engagify. For nearly two decades he's been travelling the world with his team of Certified Infotainers creating crowds of interested prospects and presenting brand defining performances in the trade show exhibits of the fastest growing companies. After logging thousands of hours of engaging all kinds of people at all kinds of events around the world, he has codified engagement and now trains teams and individuals how to engage their prospects, customers, and teammates so that they can deepen connection and command attention.

Go to https://podmatch.com/guestdetailpreview/1641498303716x346639755414614800 for podcast guest resources on Anders

What are 2-3 things you would like to gain as a result of being on this podcast?

Just exposure to your followers. Plug my upcoming book (not until October 2025)

Any website you wish to share with the audience?

www.engagify.ai

Michael is a business networking expert specializing in enhancing professionals' networking and communication skills to drive profitability. As a leading authority in this field, he is highly sought after for his dynamic presentations and workshops. His extensive experience has consistently led to significant improvements in corporate profitability by empowering individuals and organizations to connect more effectively and efficiently.

https://www.michaelaforman.com/

https://www.facebook.com/michael.forman.777

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelforman/

https://www.instagram.com/flyboy_197/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI6GkxoRFCk969A_rCfpHWQ

Kunal Desai

kunal@mealdeals.app

647-720-7766

Please share a brief Bio to be read on the podcast.

Kunal brings over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, working closely with restaurant owners. A seasoned entrepreneur and a lifelong learner who speaks 5 languages, he has a Masters in Financial Economics from the Rotman School of Management, and an Economics degree from McMaster where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. He leverages his experiences from a career in Capital Markets on Bay Street, Entrepreneurship, and Managing a Marketing Company, to deliver success for Meal Deals Restaurant Partners. When he is not busy with Meal Deals, you can find him outdoors with his GreatDane - Sir Cheerio The Great, practicing Yoga, reading or learning new things!

What are 2-3 things you would love to talk about?

MealDeals.app, entrepreneurship, and the wonderful experiences that have led me to it / well-being & lifestyle

What are 2-3 things you would like to gain as a result of being on this podcast?

Enhance my knowledge / Share my knowledge with others / help promote Meal Deals

Do you have an offer for the audience?

MealDeals.app is a global marketplace connecting restaurants and diners. I would love to offer restaurant owners who signup through your podcast or channels 50% off their annual subscription to Meal Deals Pro. Discount code can be UNLEASHED

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mealdeals.app

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themealdealsapp

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mealdealsapp

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mealdealsapp

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mealdeals.app

X: https://twitter.com/mealdeals_app

My personal LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connectwithkd/

If users want to get in touch they can email: hello@mealdeals.app

Michael is a business networking expert specializing in enhancing professionals' networking and communication skills to drive profitability. As a leading authority in this field, he is highly sought after for his dynamic presentations and workshops. His extensive experience has consistently led to significant improvements in corporate profitability by empowering individuals and organizations to connect more effectively and efficiently.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelforman/

https://www.instagram.com/flyboy_197/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI6GkxoRFCk969A_rCfpHWQ

Randi Roberts

randi@randirobertscoaching.com

908-268-8553

Please share a brief Bio to be read on the podcast.

Executive and Career-Life Coach, Randi Roberts is all about helping professionals become re-energized by their work and attain career fulfillment, without compromising what matters most. After spending 30 years in the corporate world, Randi has walked the same path as her clients. She knows that the pride you take in every accomplishment may be offset by questions about such things as how you can best juggle competing priorities, how you can achieve the next big thing, and maybe even whether this is really making you happy even though it's what you've always wanted. At heart, Randi’s a hippie with an Ivy League education. She earned an MBA from The Wharton School of Business, a BA in Sociology from San Diego State University, and she’s now an Executive and Career-Life Coach, certified by The Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching and accredited by the International Coach Federation.

What are 2-3 things you would love to talk about?

Taking a purposeful approach to networking, The impact of networking on your career and your business, Keys to effective networking

What are 2-3 things you would like to gain as a result of being on this podcast?

YouTube subscribers, Email subscribers, awareness of my podcast Fulfilling Career Happy Life.

Do you have an offer for the audience? https://bit.ly/CareerSatisfactionAssessmentEvents

Any website you wish to share with the audience?

www.randirobertscoaching.com

Any social media links you wish to share with the audience?

Subscribe to the Fulfilling Career Happy Life channel ▶️ YOUTUBE » https://bit.ly/3NV6n4x, Linked In: Randi Roberts

Michael is a business networking expert specializing in enhancing professionals' networking and communication skills to drive profitability. As a leading authority in this field, he is highly sought after for his dynamic presentations and workshops. His extensive experience has consistently led to significant improvements in corporate profitability by empowering individuals and organizations to connect more effectively and efficiently.

https://www.michaelaforman.com/

https://www.facebook.com/michael.forman.777

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelforman/

https://www.instagram.com/flyboy_197/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI6GkxoRFCk969A_rCfpHWQ

Yash Sampat

yash@ysm-media.com

408-784-0126

Please share a brief Bio to be read on the podcast.

My name is Yash Sampat. I came to the US 12 years ago as a student. I was living on $1000 per month for almost 5 years during college including rent. I worked 3 jobs during my college years and then cold called my way into getting a sales job at a start-up before graduating. From there I worked on startups for 4 years in the tech space generating appointments for the sales team and made my way up into selling high ticket software in the ecommerce space. From there I ended switching jobs and went to Zoominfo, where i had short stint and then got laid off right before covid. During covid, I started my own marketing agency which has netted almost 3 million in revenue.

What are 2-3 things you would love to talk about?

My journey, sales, marketing and grit

What are 2-3 things you would like to gain as a result of being on this podcast?

Talk about my story, network with folks and build an online presence.

Do you have an offer for the audience?

I can do a three 1-1 consulting calls with your audience to help them solve any marketing or sales challenges they may be facing

Any website you wish to share with the audience?

https://closings.yashsampatmarketing.com/

Any social media links you wish to share with the audience?

https://www.instagram.com/yssampat/

Michael is a business networking expert specializing in enhancing professionals' networking and communication skills to drive profitability. As a leading authority in this field, he is highly sought after for his dynamic presentations and workshops. His extensive experience has consistently led to significant improvements in corporate profitability by empowering individuals and organizations to connect more effectively and efficiently.

https://www.michaelaforman.com/

https://www.facebook.com/michael.forman.777

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelforman/

https://www.instagram.com/flyboy_197/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI6GkxoRFCk969A_rCfpHWQ

Chris Griggs

marketing@laruchephoto.com

404-388-2700

Please share a brief Bio to be read on the podcast. (It may be paraphrased)

Atlanta native, raised in Tucker. UGA graduate with a BFA in Graphic Design. Wife, 3 kids, currently residing in Johns Creek. My 1st career was built around 20 years as a design creative in branding & marketing. During that time, I worked in multiple capacities consisting of print & digital work. Did everything from design production to art direction & management, working for various agencies, in-house corporate design & marketing teams and working on regional, national and global brands. For 8 of those years, much of my work as art director and creative manager was concentrated in front of a camera. Then 2020 happened. The world went sideways & lost its mind. As they say, I did the "pandemic pivot" and... BOOM! Career number 2 was underway. This time, behind the camera, and the journey continues.

What are 2-3 things you would love to talk about?

1. Networking, of course! It's been at the core of our company's success and growth.

2. The crucial importance of professional visual assets in all things business related - branding, and especially content marketing.

3. Wanna talk about cars, cycling & coffee and why all 3 are culturally paramount...dare I say "spiritual"? – HAH! A fun one.

What are 2-3 things you would like to gain as a result of being on this podcast?

Have to give this some more thought, but one BIG thing would be to gain more insight about how to more effectively network in such an engaging way that I can be more memorable to people, leaving such an impression that when they need a service my company provides, we're at the forefront of their mind.

Any website you wish to share with the audience?

https://laruchephoto.com/

Michael is a business networking expert specializing in enhancing professionals' networking and communication skills to drive profitability. As a leading authority in this field, he is highly sought after for his dynamic presentations and workshops. His extensive experience has consistently led to significant improvements in corporate profitability by empowering individuals and organizations to connect more effectively and efficiently.

https://www.michaelaforman.com/

https://www.facebook.com/michael.forman.777

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelforman/

https://www.instagram.com/flyboy_197/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI6GkxoRFCk969A_rCfpHWQ